Masonry veneer fabricator



July 14, 1964 E. F. MANGls MASONRY VENEER FABRICATOR 3 Sheets-Sheec 1 Filed May l5, 1963 g M M E y. m E

1N VENTOR.

BY MMV-Mm@ g v mit:

July 14. 1964 E. F. MANGls MASONRY VENEER FABRICATOR s sheets-sheet :s

` Filed May 15, 196s Elmer F. Mangis IN VENTOR.

WWW ZMW United Statc'es Patent O M'ice 3,140,704 MASONRY VENEER FABRICATOR Elmer F. Mangis, Frankfort, Ind., assignor to E & R Mfg. Co., Inc., Kirklin, Ind., a corporation of Indiana Filed May 15, 1963, Ser. No. 280,579 11 Claims. (Cl. 12S- 23) The present invention is generally concerned with new and useful improvements in masonry veneer fabricating equipment, and is more particularly directed toward a device for automatically, quickly and uniformly pitching or dressing the exposed face of a masonry unit regardless of the particular material from which the unit is constructed and also regardless of the length, height, or width of the units.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the instant invention to provide a machine which will effect the desired face dressing regardless of the type or size of masonry unit involved.

In order to achieve the above object, it is also an object of the present invention to provide a device including upper and lower cutter knives reciprocally driven so as to simultaneously engage, from opposite sides, a masonry unit fed therebetween, the distance between the cutter 'knives being vertically variable without affecting the synchronization thereof.

Also, it is an object of the present invention to provide holddown means for continuously engaging the masonry until at the point at which theunit is engaged by the cutter knives, this constant holddown means enabling the face dressing of even extremely thin units.

j It is a further object of the instant invention to provide a masonry Veneer fabricator wherein they cutter knives are capable of limited lateral movement in one direction upon penetrating engagement of the unit so as to provide a more uniform dressed face, andto also eliminate scratch marks on thefabricated face such as normally result from the use of fixed cutter knives.

Furthermore it isV an object of the instant invention to provide 'a device which isf'compact in structure, capable of being" commercially manufactured at a reasonable price, easy to operate, extremelyversatile, and generally capable of operation over extended periods of time in a troublefree manner, all portions of the device being easily accessible in the event that servicing becomes necessary.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operaiton as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE l is a side elevational View of the device showing the lpower vtransmission components;

FIGURE 2 is an elevational View illustrating the opposite side of the machine;

FIGURE 3 is a view illustrating one end of the machine; FIGURE 4 is an enlarged partial sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 4-4 in FIG- URE 3; v l f j FIGURE 5 is a partial'sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 5-5 in FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a partial sectional view `taken substantially on a plane passing along line 6 6 in FIGURE 5;

' support 12 rigidly mounted on and extending upwardly from a suitable base 14, the vertical support 12 consisting preferably of two spaced posts or standards 16 and an upper crossbar 18.

In order to mount the various power transmission components on the support 12, upper and lower mounting plates 20 and 22 are provided, the lower mounting plate 22 being rigidly aiiixed to the vertical support 12 and the upper mounting plate 29 being adjustably mounted thereon and vertically adjustable there along by means of gibs 24 fixed to the side faces of the standards 16 and the inner faces of laterally directed flanges 26'provided along each edge of the movable plate 20.

In order that the masonry units, one of which is shown in the drawings and designated by reference numeral 28,

be properly supported as they are fed into the machine 10 for engagement by the reciprocating upper and lower cutter knives 30, an elongated roller conveyor 32 is provided, this roller conveyor 32 being rigidly affixed to one of the standards 16 and projecting laterally therefrom so as to accommodate a variety of diiferent size masonry units. This roller conveyor 32, as will best be appreciated from FIGURES l, 4 and 5, consistsof an elongated'open'rectangular frame 34 and la plurality of transversely extending freely rotating rollers 36 mpounted'therein, these rollers 36, the upper edge of which projects above the frameV 34, are spaced laterally from each other'at the center of the conveyor 32 'a sufficient distance so as to accommodate therebtween-the reciprocating lower cutter knife 30,r the bottom wheel 38 and the Adischargenchute 40. This dis- A charge chute 40, suitably secured as by welding, is positioned inwardly of the plane of the cutter knives 30 whereby the chips will be directed thereto by the slight lateral movement of the cutter knives effected during the pitching of the masonry unit 28, the discharge chute 40 directing the chips to any suitable container orientated therebelow. In order to ensure that no chips be accidentally thrown into the power transmission components,vit is also contemplated that a backstop or guard'42 be provided to the Vfar side of the chute 40 thislbackstop 42 being supported on the member 44 which additionally braces and interconnects the conveyor 32 and the adjoining support standard 16.

The device 10 is driven by means of the motor 46 adjustably mounted for longitudinalmovement upon a pair l of support rods 48, this movement being controlled by an elongated adjusting rod 50 having a crankhandle 52 on the outer end thereof. Thel drive shaft 54 of the motor 46 is provided with a variable speed sheave 56, the pitch diameter varying automatically as the motor 46 is longitudinally adjusted thereby varying the rotational speed imparted to the sheave 58 by the endless belt 60, this sheave 58 being keyed to the shaft 62 which is in turn rotatably mounted within suitable bearings 64 supported on the vertical support 12.

Also keyed to the shaft 62 'is a sprocket 66 which, through the endless chain 68 drives the enlarged sprocket 70. The enlarged sprocket 70 'is bolted' to a'spur gear 72, both being keyed to the rotatably mounted 'lower eccentric shaft 74, a sprocket 76 also being keyed tothe shaft 74. l

4FIGURE 7 is a partial sectional view taken substan-V The sprocket 76 drives, through the chain 78, the

sprocket 80 which is keyed to the input shaft 82 of a reducer 84, the output shaft 86 of which rotates the lower roller 38. A

The reducer output shaft 86, which might also be considered the bottom wheel shaft, extends in both directions from the reducer 84 and has the sprocket S8 keyed thereto, this sprocket, through the endless chain 90, drives the sprocket 92 keyed to the' top wheel shaft 94, the chain being directed over an 'upper idler sprocket 96 and a lower idler sprocket 98, the idler sprocket 96 being Patented July 14, 1964 3 located above the upper end of the movable plate 28 and fixed against vertical movement to the support 12 and the idler 98 being mounted on the movable plate 20 below the upper wheel shaft 94 which is also mounted on the movable plate 20.

Referring again to the spur gear 72, it will be noted that this spur gear 72 is meshed with and drives spur gear which is bolted to the sprocket 102, both being keyed to the rotatable shaft 184, the sprocket 102 driving the top eccentric shaft 186 through the chain 108 entrained over two idler sprockets 118 and 112 and the sprocket 114 keyed to the upper eccentric shaft 186. The upper ecentric shaft 106 is mounted on the vertically adjustable mounting plate along with the top wheel shaft94 and idler 98. In order to compensate for the adjustment of the top ecentric shaft 106, the idler 112 is spring-loaded, attention being directed to FIGURE 8 wherein it will be noted that the idler 112 is xed to the shaft 114 which in turn is rotatably received within the bearing 118 slidably received within the elongated slot 128 of the mounting bracket 122 which is fixed to the adjacent standard 16, the spring-loading being accomplished by the coil spring 124 engaged between the shaft housing 126 and a laterally directed flange 128 on the bracket 122.

While not heretofore mentioned, it will of course be appreciated that an upper wheel 130 is fixed to and rotatable with the top wheel shaft 94, the workpiece 28 being positioned between the wheels 38 and 138, the machine 10 being vertically adjusted so as to firmly though movably receive the masonry unit 28 between the wheels.

The cutter knives 38 are mounted on the upper and lower eccentric shafts '74 and 186 by means of vertically extending connecting rods 132, these connecting rods 132 having each a suitable bearing 134 fixed at one end thereof and rotatably mounted upon the crank throw 136 of the adjacent eccentric shaft. The opposite or inner end portion of each of the rods 132 is enlarged as at 138, this enlarged portion 138 having an aperture 148 laterally therethrough, this aperture 148 having the corresponding wheel shaft, either 86 or 94 projected therethrough, the aperture 14() being of a size so as to allow for the desired reciprocating movement of the connecting rod 132 and cutter knife responsive to the rotation of the eccentric shaft without contacting the corresponding wheel shaft, the aperture 148 further allowing for a slight rotational movement of the connecting rod 132 along the path of travel of the masonry unit 28 as shall be pointed out presently.

Each cutter knife 30 includes a base plate 142 having an arcuate recess 144 in the lower end thereof, this arcuate recess enabling a pivotal mounting of the base member 142 upon the circular rod 146 secured to the upper edge of the connecting rod 132. Two vertical plates 148 are secured to the wheel side of the connecting rod 132 and project above the upper end of the connecting rod 132 with the cutter knife base 142 being biased toward these plates 148 by means of a tension spring 150, this spring being mounted between upper and lower threaded members 152 and 154, the member 152 being secured to the cutter knife base 142 and the member 154 being threaded through the upper end of the connecting rod 132. The actual pitching of the masonry unit 28 is accomplished by the cutting edge 156 of the knife element 158 releasably bolted within a notch on the wheel side of the base 142, the cutting edge 156 projecting above the upper edge of the base 142. It is of course desirable to provide a straight fabricating line, and as such, a retaining collar 158 is provided about each wheel shaft so as to maintain the cutter knife 30 against the inner face of the adjoining wheel when the cutter knife 38 is in its vertical pitching position. The cutter knives 30 are each held vertically against the adjoining wheel by the spring means 158 thereby allowing for a kicking out of the cutter knife upon penetrating engagement with the workpiece 28, this kicking out reducing the shock on the workpiece, increasing the life of the cutting edge, and ensuring the desired rough hewn pitched face. It will of course be appreciated that the amount of penetration can be varied by the provision of either longer or shorter cutter knives 30.

As mentioned supra, the aperture through each connecting rod 132 is such so as to allow for a slight rotational movement of the connecting rod 132, this movement being effected by the movement of the connecting rod 132 effected by the rotation of the corresponding eccentric shaft, the cutter knife being carried momentarily with the ow of the workpiece 28. In order to cushion this lateral movement of the connecting rod 132 and to ensure a return of the connecting rod 132 to its original position, a pair of springs 162 are provided in connection with each cutter knife 30, the inner ends of the springs 162 being engaged with opposite sides of the corresponding cutter knife 30 and the outer ends of the springs 162 being atlixed to suitable brackets 164 rigidly affixed to either the adjacent standard 16 or roller conveyor 32.

The mounting plate 20 upon which the upper eccentric shaft 106, upper wheel shaft 94, and idler 98 are mounted is vertically adjustable along the standards 16 by means of an elongated vertically extending threaded shaft 166, the lower end of which is secured to the rear surface of the mounting plate 28 and the upper end of which is received through the crossbar 18 and has threaded thereon an adjusting nut 168. Further, in order that the load exerted on the upper surface of the workpiece 28 be variable, this load preventing excess vibration and breakage of thermasonry unit 28, an adjustable weight means is provided. This weight means consists of an elongated rod having a bifurcated end straddling the shaft 166 and resting upon a collar 172, the adjusting nut 168 resting on the upper surface of the rod 178, and the outer end of the bifurcated end of the rod being pivotally mounted as at 174, the adjustability being achieved by having an enlarged weight 176 fixedly mountable at adjusted positions along the rod 170.

In operation, the vertical distance between the wheels 38 and 138 is adjusted so as to accommodate the particular masonry units 28 which are to be pitched, this adjustment being effected by a turning of the adjusting nut 168 on the upper end of the threaded shaft 166. It will be appreciated that regardless of the vertical distance between the wheels 38 and 130, the synchronization of the cutter knives 30 will remain the same, these knives 3() striking the workpiece 28 at the same time, this simultaneous striking of the cutter knives 30 tending to counteract some of the impact shock. Inasmuch as the holding pressure of the wheels 38 and 13G is applied at vertically aligned points on the top and the bottom of the workpiece 28 directly in line with the points of contact of the cutter knives 30, the breakage is held to a minimum even if the workpiece 28 is warped or otherwise not straight. Such an arrangement makes the pitching machine of the instant invention particularly adaptable for use with extremely thin masonry units, the conventionally provided impact pitching machine being incapable of working with thin material, the impact shock in most instances effecting a shattering of the material. After the wheels 38 and 13) have been properly spaced from each other, the workpiece 28 is positioned on the roller conveyor 32 and fed between the rotating wheels 38 and 130, the wheels moving the workpiece 28 at a predetermined rate so as to correspond with the simultaneous reciprocating cutter knives 3) thereby effecting the desired pitching of the face of the workpiece, the cutter knives 30 being capable of laterally defiecting so as to achieve the desirable rough hewn effect.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. In a device for producing a pitched face on a masonry unit moving therethrough, a support, upper and lower means on said support for firmly engaging the upper and lower surfaces of the unit at vertically aligned points, and vertically spaced and aligned cutter knives mounted for continuous simultaneous reciprocal movement toward and away from each other in a manner so as t periodically engage the upper and lower surfaces of the unit adjacent one edge face thereof and effect a systematic pitching of this edge face, said cutter knives being located laterally to one side of said upper and lower means and in lateral alignment with the points of engagement of these means with the upper and lower surfaces of the unit.

2. In a device for producing a pitched face on a masonry unit, a vertical support, upper and lower rotatable wheel means on said support for firmly engaging the upper and lower surfaces of the unit at vertically aligned points and continuously moving the unit in one direction, and vertically spaced aligned cutter knives mounted for continuous simultaneous reciprocal movement toward and away from each other in a manner so as to periodically engage the upper and lower surfaces of the unit adjacent one edge face thereof and effect a systematic pitching of this edge face, said cutter knives being located laterally to one side of the wheel means and in alignment with the vertical diameter of the wheel means whereby the points of engagement between the knives and the unit are at all times laterally aligned with the points of engagement between the wheel means and the unit.

3. The device of claim 2 including means mounting the upper wheel means and the upper knife for movement toward and away from the lower wheel means and the lower knife while maintaining the simultaneous reciprocal movement of the knives toward and away from each other.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein said knives are mounted for lateral movement from the vertical solely toward said edge face, and resilient means yieldably resisting this lateral movement.

5. The device of claim 5 including a horizontal support provided in line with both the entrance and discharge sides of the wheels.

6. The device of claim 5 including means for simultaneously varying the rotational movement of the Wheels and the reciprocal movement of the knives.

7. The device of claim 6 including a discharge chute l0- cated so as to receive the chips severed from the unit by the knives.

8. In a device for producing a pitched face on a masonry unit moving therethrough, a support, upper and lower means on said support for rmly engaging the upper and lower surfaces of the unit at vertically aligned points, vertically spaced and aligned cutter knives mounted for continuous simultaneous reciprocal movement toward and away from each other in a manner so as to periodically engage the upper and lower surfaces of the unit adjacent one edge face thereof and effect a systematic pitching of this edge face, a mounting plate mounted for vertical adjustment on the upper portion of the sup port, an upper eccentric shaft rotatably mounted on said plate and adjustable therewith, a connecting rod rotatably mounted on the throw of said shaft, the upper knife being mounted on the outer end of said rod, a lower eccentric shaft rotatably mounted on said support below the adjustable plate, a lower connecting rod rotatably mounted on the throw of the lower shaft, the lower knife being mounted on the outer end of the lower rod, said knives tending to be momentarily carried with the unit during the movement thereof, and spring means yieldably retaining the knives against such movement.

9. In a device for producing a pitched face on a masonry unit, a vertical support, upper and lower rotatable wheel means on said support for firmly engaging the upper and lower surfaces of the unit at vertically aligned points and continuously moving the unit in one direction, vertically spaced aligned cutter knives mounted for continuous simultaneous reciprocal movement toward and away from each other in a manner so as to periodically engage the upper and lower surfaces of the unit adjacent one edge face thereof and effect a systematic pitching of this edge face, means mounting the upper wheel means and the upper knife for limited movement away from the lower wheel means and the lower knife, and means for applying a variable load resisting this movement.

10. The device of claim 9 including means mounting the upper wheel means and the upper knife for vertical adjustment toward and away from the lower wheel means and the lower knife while maintaining the simultaneous reciprocal movement of the knives toward and away from each other.

l1. In a device for producing a pitched face on a masonry unit, a vertical support, upper and lower rotatable wheel means on said support for firmly engaging the upper and lower surfaces of the unit at vertically aligned points and continuously moving the unit in one direction, vertically spaced aligned cutter knives mounted for continuous simultaneous reciprocal movement toward and away from each other in a manner so as to periodically engage the upper and lower surfaces of the unit adjacent one edge face thereof and effect a systematic pitching of this edge face, a mounting plate mounted for vertical adjustment on the upper portion of the support, an upper eccentric shaft rotatably mounted on said plate and adjustable therewith, a connecting rod rotatably mounted on the throw of said shaft, the upper knife being mounted on the outer end of said rod, a lower eccentric shaft rotatably mounted on said support below the adjustable plate, a lower connecting rod rotatably mounted on the throw of the lower shaft, the lower knife being mounted on the outer end of the lower rod, said knives tending to be momentarily carried with the unit during the movement thereof, and spring means yieldably retaining the knives against such movement.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,801,626 Potter et al Aug. 6, 1957 2,809,625 Gendron et al. Oct. l5, 1957 2,867,204 Arvay Jan. 6, 1959 3,042,018 Mangis July 3, 1962 3,073,295 Austin et al Ian. l5, 1963 3,095,868 Mangis July 2, 1963 

1. IN A DEVICE FOR PRODUCING A PITCHED FACE ON A MASONRY UNIT MOVING THERETHROUGH, A SUPPORT, UPPER AND LOWER MEANS ON SAID SUPPORT FOR FIRMLY ENGAGING THE UPPER AND LOWER SURFACES OF THE UNIT AT VERTICALLY ALIGNED POINTS, AND VERTICALLY SPACED AND ALIGNED CUTTER KNIVES MOUNTED FOR CONTINUOUS SIMULTANEOUS RECIPROCAL MOVEMENT TOWARD AND AWAY FROM EACH OTHER IN A MANNER SO AS TO PERIODICALLY ENGAGE THE UPPER AND LOWER SURFACES OF THE UNIT ADJACENT ONE EDGE FACE THEREOF AND EFFECT A SYSTEMATIC PITCHING OF THIS EDGE FACE, SAID CUTTER KNIVES BEING LOCATED 